LONDON - One moment of attacking brilliance and a late Sergio Agüero strike gave Premier League holders Manchester City a winning start to their title defence as they eased past Newcastle United 2-0 away yesterday.

Ivorian powerhouse Yaya Touré and Edin Dzeko combined to set up David Silva before half-time while Argentine Agüero added a second just before the final whistle.

While the performance was far from vintage, manager Manuel Pellegrini will be pleased with the three points after last week's Community Shield loss to Arsenal indicated his side may have some early season rust.

Earlier in the day, Liverpool beat a stubborn Southampton 2-1, with goals from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge. Nathaniel Clyne netted a thunderbolt for The Saints.

City's wealth of attacking options came to the fore in the 38th minute, with Touré playing a ball over the top from deep, Dzeko playing a backheel into the path of Silva who placed the ball past Tim Krul. Agüero added some late gloss to the scoreline.

"It was very important for us to start with a win," Pellegrini said. "We talked to the squad about the 'two hs' - we were hungry and humble."

Liverpool earned plenty of plaudits for the way they tore teams apart last season, but after going a goal up they allowed Southampton to gain a foothold.

Manager Brendan Rogers was delighted with a win. "I'm really happy with that determination and character. As the season rolls on, we'll get better and more fluent."